Newcastle United fans are missing Allan Saint-Maximin as their club battle for Premier League survival.
The Frenchman is expected to be out until April after injuring his groin in the 1-1 draw at home to Wolves at the end of last month (via The Guardian).
Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson are also sidelined, leaving the Toon frontline looking very tame indeed.
Opportunities to pull clear of the bottom three against West Brom and a Jack Grealish-less Aston Villa have been missed.
Saint-Maximin, who joined from Nice for a fee of £16.5million in the summer of 2019, has scored two goals and laid-on three assists in the Premier League this season.
But those figures don’t capture the inspiration he can provide.
His direct running creates openings – as per WhoScored, only Adama Traore (4.1) averages more successful dribbling runs per 90 than Saint-Maximin (3.3).
Saint-Maximin turned 24 on Friday, so has plenty of time to add the kind of consistency to his game that will attract high-level suitors.
After the Magpies rescued a point against Villa courtesy of Jamaal Lascelles’ header, he expressed gratitude for the birthday wishes on Twitter, writing: “I feel so lucky to have you guys.”
He added the hashtag #JamalLascellesAsWell
Newcastle travel to Brighton next Saturday for a potentially season-defining clash.
These Newcastle fans are desperate for Saint-Maximin’s return
“Happy Birthday Gucci Man get back ASAP”
“We’re lucky to have you too but please get back for Spurs and save our season. Allan, we need you.”
“Come back stronger and be prepared to break teams”
“Happy birthday, need you back for the Brighton game”
“Happy birthday Allan, sincerely hope your recovery is going well, we need you!”
“Thanks for bringing a little hope and light into our NUFC hearts. We will enjoy the time that you will be with us, before you rightly move onto bigger and better things! Happy birthday big man!”
“Happy Birthday Maxi! Hope you asked for a healing miracle for your birthday? We need you back NOW!!!”
“Happy birthday Allan and if you were on that pitch tonight then we would have had 3 points”